Charles E. Gardner of Greenville was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 2012 and reappointed in 2023. Prior to his retirement in 1999, Mr. Gardner served as Community Services Director for the City of Greenville. Mr. Gardner is a Graduate of The United States Navel Nuclear Power School and attended Voorhees College and Greenville Technical College. He is a licensed real estate agent.

Mr. Gardner has received numerous awards for his work in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and community development. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including President of the SC Affordable Housing Coalition and other organizations promoting education, housing and community improvement.